Discover the Duchess Theatre London
The Grade II listed Duchess Theatre London, just a short stroll from Aldwych, has been a fixture of the West End since it opened its doors on 25th November 1929. With less than 500 seats spread across two levels, it’s one of the smallest proscenium arch theatres in the city. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in its cosy atmosphere and iconic productions. Part of the Nimax Theatres group since 2005, under the ownership of Nica Burns and Max Weitzenhoffer, the Duchess Theatre continues to host a wide variety of performances, delighting all who visit.
Opening the Duchess Theatre London
The Duchess Theatre was designed and constructed by architect Ewen Barr and builder F. G. Minter Ltd., who worked together to bring impresario Arthur Gibbons’ vision to life. The theatre’s compact design was no accident. Built with its stalls cleverly situated below street level, the design made the most of a relatively small site while preserving the neighbours’ rights to natural light.
Opening night was a success with Tunnel Trench, a play by Hubert Griffith. However, its follow-up show, The Intimate Revue, infamously didn’t even make it through its first performance! Despite this rocky start, the theatre quickly established itself as a successful venue, known for its bold choices and iconic productions.
Productions at the Duchess Theatre London
Record-Breaking Performances
The Duchess Theatre has been a stage for some of the West End’s most iconic performances. Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit transferred from the Piccadilly Theatre in 1942, achieving a record-breaking run of 1,997 performances. This milestone solidified the theatre’s reputation as a destination for outstanding productions.
Landmark Productions of the 1960s and 1970s
The 1960s brought Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker and Bill Naughton’s Alfie, with the latter inspiring the beloved Michael Caine film of the same name. During the same decade, the cheeky comedy Boeing Boeing entertained audiences for two years.
The 1970s saw boundary-pushing performances like The Dirtiest Show in Town and the risqué revue Oh! Calcutta!, which ran from 1974 to 1980 and redefined West End norms.
The 1990s: Transfers from Other Venues
The 1990s was another successful era for the Duchess Theatre, with transfers such as the long-running farce Run for Your Wife and critically acclaimed works like the National Theatre’s Copenhagen (1999) and Blue/Orange (2001). These productions showcased the theatre’s ability to host both lighthearted comedies and thought-provoking dramas.
Contemporary Successes
More recently, Mischief Theatre’s The Play That Goes Wrong debuted in 2014 and continues to make audiences laugh with its award-winning humour, becoming the theatre’s longest-running show.
The theatre is also known for staging experimental works, including T.S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral and daring musicals like Snoopy!!! The Musical.
Behind the Curtain: Features of the Duchess Theatre
The Duchess Theatre may be one of the West End’s smaller venues, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Architecture: Designed by architect Ewen Barr, the theatre is a glamorous Art Deco structure with great acoustics.
- Interior Design: The interiors were the handiwork of Marc Henri and Gaston Laverdet. However, these were updated in 1934 under the watchful eye of Mary Wyndham-Lewis, the wife of playwright J.B. Priestley.
- Original Details: While some of the original details have been lost during renovations, remnants remain, including two bas-reliefs by sculptor Maurice Lambert flanking the proscenium arch.
- Intimate Atmosphere: The stalls being below street level makes the Duchess Theatre a cosy, intimate performance venue and its seating capacity of just 476, ensures every seat has a good view of the stage.
- Modern Comforts: The theatre is equipped with modern amenities to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.
- Fun Fact: This theatre has hosted the shortest run in West End history, with The Intimate Revue, which famously closed mid-performance in 1930. Talk about drama!
- Record-Setters: Productions like Blithe Spirit and Run for Your Wife proved that great things come in small packages, with both enjoying record-breaking runs.
Visiting the Duchess Theatre London: Tips and Tricks
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to the Duchess Theatre:
- How to Get There: Located on Catherine Street, the theatre is a short walk from Covent Garden, Holborn, and Temple Underground stations. Public transport is the best option for easy access.
- Nearby Attractions: Make it a day out by exploring the Covent Garden area, filled with shops, restaurants, and street performances.
- Best Seats in the House: For an unparalleled view, aim for the Stalls, where you’ll feel fully immersed in the performance.
- Ticket Prices: Tickets vary depending on the show, but affordable options often start around £30.
What’s On at the Duchess Theatre London?
The Duchess Theatre currently has a diverse lineup:
- The Play That Goes Wrong: Still running strong, this laugh-out-loud comedy is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Murder, She Didn’t Write: A hilariously improvised murder mystery where the audience helps create the story.
Upcoming events include:
- The Magic of Terry Pratchett: Dive into the life of the late, great Sir Terry Pratchett with this fascinating exploration of his legacy.
- Velma Celli’s Show Queen: A high-energy cabaret celebrating West End and Broadway classics.
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